Last week, I received numerous requests for a column responding to the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech. I had almost decided against writing one when I read the following letter to the editor in the local Wilmington McTimes:

"On the day of the Virginia Tech massacre, President Bush's spokesperson told the press, "… The president believes that there is a right for people to bear arms, but that all laws must be followed. …" In effect, Bush sent this stern message to mass murderers: We'll make sure that the weapons you need are freely available. Be warned, however, that if you shoot dozens of people before killing yourself, you will have a crime on your police record."

The letter, written by UNC-Wilmington English Professor Richard Veit, says three things: 1. Dick Veit does not like George W. Bush. 2. Dick Veit does not like guns. 3. Dick Veit does not like to make serious comments on very serious subjects.

Since I think there’s a way to prevent tragedies like last week’s shooting at Virginia Tech, I decided to write about this topic with the hope that my good speech will help cancel out Dick Veit’s very bad speech. I suspect that many people on both ends of the political spectrum will agree with at least some things I have to say.

My view on how to alter gun laws to prevent another shooting like the one at Virginia Tech was inspired by a recent change in North Carolina gun laws. Our state decided that individuals who have a concealed carry license (CCW) do not have to obtain a pistol purchase permit in order to obtain a handgun. Instead, we are allowed to buy handguns as long as we have a valid CCW, which must be renewed every five years.

Because there are two ways to buy a handgun in North Carolina (with a CCW or with a one-time pistol purchase permit) there are two types of people who are able to buy guns; 1) Those with a CCW who have been subjected to criminal background checks, have released full medical and psychiatric records, and have taken a firearms safety course. 2) Those who obtained a purchase permit by submitting to a criminal background check, without releasing medical and psychiatric records, and without taking a firearms safety course.

At this point in the column I’m ready to unleash the first three steps in my four-step proposal for preventing mass killings on college campuses. The first two steps will not surprise my readers but the third will:

All states should allow citizens to apply for a CCW.

All states should allow those with a CCW to buy guns without a separate pistol purchase permit.